ASD Assessment

At Psychology Centre Newcastle, we provide thorough and compassionate Autism assessments for individuals of all ages. Our approach is grounded in respect, curiosity, and collaboration, aiming to understand each person’s unique profile of strengths, challenges, and support needs.

Indicators that may prompt consideration for an Autism assessment can include differences in social interaction, communication style, sensory processing, repetitive patterns of behaviour, or highly focused interests. Many people also seek assessment to better understand lifelong traits, experiences of masking, or why certain environments feel more overwhelming than others.

Our Approach

Our approach is neuroaffirming and trauma-informed, recognising that Autism is a form of neurodiversity rather than a disorder to be cured. We acknowledge the wide range of ways that autistic traits can appear across individuals and the influence of gender, culture, personality, environment, and life experiences on how these traits are expressed.

We also consider co-occurring factors that may impact daily life, such as anxiety, depression, attention regulation, or trauma history. This ensures that the assessment provides a complete picture and supports appropriate recommendations and referrals.

The Process

A woman sitting down in a good mood talk

1. Initial Clinical Interview

A detailed conversation about your (or your child’s) concerns, developmental history, family background, education/work experiences, relationships, and mental health.

2. Questionnaires & Collateral Information

Standardised Questionnaires & Collateral Information: You will complete questionnaires about attention, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. For children, we seek input from teachers and request school reports to understand functioning across environments.

A man and a woman discussing ADHD and Assements

3. Observations

Observations of interaction and behaviour in natural or clinical settings.

4. Feedback & Treatment Planning

After the assessment, we meet with you to explain the results in clear language, provide a diagnosis if appropriate, and answer your questions. We then co-develop a personalised support plan.

What to Expect

An Autism assessment is a supportive and holistic process designed to explore how an individual experiences and interacts with the world. The goal is to deepen understanding and provide meaningful guidance that can enhance quality of life.

Each assessment is tailored to the person’s age, developmental history, and communication style, and may include:

A detailed clinical interview exploring developmental, social, and emotional history
Questionnaires and standardised measures completed by the individual, family members, caregivers, or teachers
Observations of interaction and behaviour in natural or clinical settings
Collaboration with family members, educators, or other professionals involved in the person’s life

Our clinicians ensure the process feels safe, transparent, and respectful. We take time to understand the person’s lived experience, sensory profile, and the ways they may have adapted or masked their differences in various environments.

Costs and Referrals

A referral is not required, no Medicare rebates are applicable for adults.
For children and young adults 25 years and under, a referral from a Paediatrician under Item 135 can allow you to access a Medicare rebate of $406.20 for an assessment. The referral must be received prior to payment of the final invoice.
A 50% deposit is required upfront, with the balance due on release of the report.

*Prices may vary depending on clinical need. This will be determined in the initial session.

Common Questions

What happens after the assessment?

Following the assessment, our clinicians provide a clear and supportive feedback session. We discuss the results in a way that is understandable, empowering, and tailored to the individual’s context. The assessment report includes personalised recommendations that may support access to services, educational adjustments, workplace accommodations, or therapeutic interventions.

Where helpful, we also offer follow-up sessions to help individuals and families integrate the insights from the assessment into everyday life and connect with appropriate supports or resources.

What are the benefits of an Autism assessment?

A neuroaffirming autism assessment helps individuals and families to:

Gain clarity and understanding about lifelong traits and experiences
Recognise strengths and identify practical supports for areas of difficulty
Access educational, workplace, and community accommodations
Reduce self-blame and increase self-compassion
Strengthen identity, self-awareness, and wellbeing

At Psychology Centre Newcastle, we view an Autism assessment as a process of discovery and empowerment. Our goal is to provide insight that supports each person to live authentically, comfortably, and confidently as themselves.